5 Travel Tips For The Introvert In You

Have you ever avoided doing any form of social activity while on a vacation? If you have, you might be an introvert. Slow walks on endless trails, opting for window seats, listening to the sounds of the ocean, or just sitting quietly in a cafe; sure, introverts know how to go out and have a good time, but they also need time to recharge and be away from the crowd.

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That can be hard to do. Travelling is often synonymous with adventure and excitement, and comes with the expectation of trying to make every minute abroad worthwhile. You’ve crossed oceans and seas to get where you are, and what about all the money you’ve spent, right? But don’t be pressured to travel like everyone else—introverts do travel differently, and here are some tools to help you make the most of your trip.

1. Get Earplugs/Noise-Cancelling Headphones/A Good Book

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If you’re ever stuck in a cramped minivan or smacked right in the middle of a four-seater on a plane, you may not be in the mood to make small talk with your neighbours. How can you build an invisible cocoon around you? By using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Instantly, you shut the noise out and avoid conversations until you’re ready for some. Remember to download your music for flight-mode listening as well. Also, nothing says “I don't want to talk right now” than reading a book.

2. Try A Creative Activity

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One of my favourite things about travelling is how it gets my creative juices flowing. Something about being in a new environment with different sights, sounds and tastes that reminds me inspiration is everywhere. Especially when travelling solo, loneliness or anxiety tends to creep in, but partaking in some form of creative activity helps to keep you occupied and at the same time, channel your thoughts into tangible pieces. Whether it’s journalling, writing postcards to send home, sketching the scenery at the park, or photo-taking, these activities allow you to appreciate the present moment.

3. Strategise Your Day

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Your energy is limited. The thing about introverts is that they do enjoy social interactions, but they need to refuel their batteries before their next party or conversation. This could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Plan your day such that you’re still pushing your boundaries and trying something new, but also fit in something a little more low-key in case you’re not up for crowd-facing or merry-making.

Anywhr’s Travelogue provide various tips and suggestions on where to go and what to do, so use it as a guide to take the rein and strategise a plan that works for you and your introvert tendencies. Don’t feel bad if you don’t go everywhere and do everything!

4. Indulge In Private Accommodation

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Hostels or guesthouses with common areas are probably not the best accommodation choices if you’re an introvert. There’s no shame in favouring deep conversations over small talk, and after a long, tiring day exploring the city, the last thing you’d want is to exchange pleasantries with people you barely know.

All of Anywhr’s holiday travel styles come with options for private accommodation so you can take some time for yourself to recuperate.

5. Bonus: Make New Friends (Even If You’re Shy)

I have the lucky (or unlucky) trait of being awkward, shy, introverted and addicted to solo traveling. Sometimes situations like being on an island where no one speaks my language or getting lost on a hike and needing to ask for directions take a lot out of me. At these times, I’d wish I had a friend with me.

If you’re travelling solo and are too shy to make new friends on the road (but really want to), take baby steps instead of plunging straight into a full-on party. Try the single-seaters by the window of a cafe and look out for someone’s who on their own, just like you. Smile and break the ice with a simple “Hi, how are you doing?”. Being genuinely curious about someone else helps you come up with questions like: Where you from? What’s your favourite place here? How has your travel journey been so far? Alternatively, you can also take the plunge and opt to stay with a host at a local homestay, or bunk in at a hostel where you can lounge in the common areas and grab new friends to go exploring with.

Once you're ready to get out of your comfort zone, you know where to start.

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AUTHOR: HUDA

A Singapore-based writer and photographer, often found getting lost in new cities. A lover of mountains, she is drawn to mindfulness and solitude—themes often reflected in her work. The perfect trip for her involves autumn leaves, green tea latte and long walks (not on the beach).